Madonna is squashing longtime rumors of abuse during her
relationship with actor Sean Penn in order to help in his
$10 million lawsuit against "Empire"
co-creator Lee Daniels.

"I am aware of the allegations that have surfaced over the
years accusing Sean of incidents of physical assault and abuse
against me," she said in a statement submitted in the lawsuit,
according to The Hollywood Reporter.

She continued, "Specifically, I am aware of the allegations
concerning an alleged incident that occurred in June, [1987],
whereby (according to tabloid reports), Sean allegedly struck me
with 'a baseball bat.' I know the allegations in those and
other reports to be completely outrageous, malicious, reckless,
and false."

She also said that Penn's arrest for alleged domestic
assault and battery against her were based on false
charges.

Madonna stated, "While we certainly had more than one
heated argument during our marriage, Sean has never struck me,
'tied me up,' or physically assaulted me, and any report to the
contrary is completely outrageous, malicious, reckless, and
false."

Penn and Madonna were married from 1985 to 1989.

Penn is suing Daniels after the producer defended "Empire"
star Terrence Howard against past domestic abuse charges during a THR interview by saying,
"[Terrence] ain't done nothing different than Marlon Brando
or Sean Penn, and all of a sudden he's some f—in'
demon."